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The first generation BMW M3 was based on the 1986 BMW 3-Series E30, and although looking very similar shared very little body panels - only the hood and roof. It was powered by a specially developed 2.3 liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 195 hp (143 kW) fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This remarkable peace of engineering allowed the BMW M3 E30 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).
The hand-build BMW M3 Cabriolet was introduced in 1988 producing 215 hp (160 kW) and capable of reaching 239 km/h (148 mph) making it the fastest four-seater cabriolet at that time. With only 786 units ever produced is quite rare.